Our new Pastoral Resident with an emphasis on Youth and Their Families:
Katie Hambrick, M.Div University of Wake Forest School of Divinity
FAQs:
What are your current vocational goals or directions, with specific reference to pastoral ministry?
My current vocational call is towards pastoral and youth ministry. Both of these types of ministry bring me life and joy. I first realized God was calling me deeper into pastoral ministry when I was able to preach for the first time. It was only for my classmates at seminary, however I knew at that moment a fire had been lit in my spirit. God was showing me my gifts, as well as my call. This led to me being able to learn everything I could about pastoral care, going on hospital visits, bible studies, sermons, and more. I have felt led to look for a church where I could bring my eagerness to learn and passions to make them into real skills.
Why do you think the church ought to invest in its children? How do you propose we go about supporting young families?
The church needs to invest in their youth because they are the present and the future. It is important for each youth to know that God loves them, that they were uniquely made with a purpose — and not only for them to know that, but to like who God created them to be. From here, tomorrow’s leaders are born.
I believe in relation-based ministry and community. It is through community that we form the fundamental foundations for faith development. Listening to what our youth and parents need, creating intergenerational connections, being in relation with each other, and service opportunities are a few ways in which we can build this foundational community for youth and their families. However, this also must be balanced with giving the youth their own programming, as well as space to be youth. This balance only comes through loving vision and hard work.
What are the characteristics of the church or organization you would like to serve, and what unique gifts, skills, and experiences would you offer?
A church I would envision myself serving at is a church built on the love and hope of the gospel; a place where every person was welcomed and loved; a place full of a compassionate community. For any church community, I bring many interpersonal skills. The ability to build meaningful relationships quickly. I bring leadership and an eagerness to learn. My former church ministry experiences have prepared me to enter a role of pastoral and youth minister. My talents and gifts were molded into skills during my last few years of ministry that sets the stage for only more growth and improvement.
As you begin your pastoral ministry, what do you see as one of the most significant challenges facing the church today and how should emerging church leaders approach it?
During these times of uncertainty, I think the toughest challenge for churches is how to adjust to a new normal. Worship and church gatherings will not be like they were. The adjustment from pre- COVID to post- COVID and keeping human connection is the toughest challenge. This will not be an easy adjustment. There will be ups and downs throughout, thus emerging church leaders should approach the situation with compassion and grace, as well as keeping the safety of all in their minds.
What denomination raised you? Have you been a part of other denominations? Where do you feel you best fit thus far?
I was raised with a Southern Baptist Army Chaplin for a father. I was raised going to Southern Baptist Churches. During Seminary, I was introduced to Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Alliance of Baptists, and American Baptists. I am a Baptist through and through. I hold the four freedoms to be foundational truths to me.
What do you need to help you adjust to a new place? What can we do to help?
Being from a military family, I am used to going new places every few years. I have grown accustom to adjusting quickly to new environments and building community where I am. Something that would be helpful is stopping me to introduce yourself. I love building community. I love hearing people’s stories. By getting to know people of an area, I start to feel at home in new places quicker. (As well as giving me coffee shop recommendations…)
My current vocational call is towards pastoral and youth ministry. Both of these types of ministry bring me life and joy. I first realized God was calling me deeper into pastoral ministry when I was able to preach for the first time. It was only for my classmates at seminary, however I knew at that moment a fire had been lit in my spirit. God was showing me my gifts, as well as my call. This led to me being able to learn everything I could about pastoral care, going on hospital visits, bible studies, sermons, and more. I have felt led to look for a church where I could bring my eagerness to learn and passions to make them into real skills.
Why do you think the church ought to invest in its children? How do you propose we go about supporting young families?
The church needs to invest in their youth because they are the present and the future. It is important for each youth to know that God loves them, that they were uniquely made with a purpose — and not only for them to know that, but to like who God created them to be. From here, tomorrow’s leaders are born.
I believe in relation-based ministry and community. It is through community that we form the fundamental foundations for faith development. Listening to what our youth and parents need, creating intergenerational connections, being in relation with each other, and service opportunities are a few ways in which we can build this foundational community for youth and their families. However, this also must be balanced with giving the youth their own programming, as well as space to be youth. This balance only comes through loving vision and hard work.
What are the characteristics of the church or organization you would like to serve, and what unique gifts, skills, and experiences would you offer?
A church I would envision myself serving at is a church built on the love and hope of the gospel; a place where every person was welcomed and loved; a place full of a compassionate community. For any church community, I bring many interpersonal skills. The ability to build meaningful relationships quickly. I bring leadership and an eagerness to learn. My former church ministry experiences have prepared me to enter a role of pastoral and youth minister. My talents and gifts were molded into skills during my last few years of ministry that sets the stage for only more growth and improvement.
As you begin your pastoral ministry, what do you see as one of the most significant challenges facing the church today and how should emerging church leaders approach it?
During these times of uncertainty, I think the toughest challenge for churches is how to adjust to a new normal. Worship and church gatherings will not be like they were. The adjustment from pre- COVID to post- COVID and keeping human connection is the toughest challenge. This will not be an easy adjustment. There will be ups and downs throughout, thus emerging church leaders should approach the situation with compassion and grace, as well as keeping the safety of all in their minds.
What denomination raised you? Have you been a part of other denominations? Where do you feel you best fit thus far?
I was raised with a Southern Baptist Army Chaplin for a father. I was raised going to Southern Baptist Churches. During Seminary, I was introduced to Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Alliance of Baptists, and American Baptists. I am a Baptist through and through. I hold the four freedoms to be foundational truths to me.
What do you need to help you adjust to a new place? What can we do to help?
Being from a military family, I am used to going new places every few years. I have grown accustom to adjusting quickly to new environments and building community where I am. Something that would be helpful is stopping me to introduce yourself. I love building community. I love hearing people’s stories. By getting to know people of an area, I start to feel at home in new places quicker. (As well as giving me coffee shop recommendations…)
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